Educators’ Perception of Teaching Sexual Education in Schools at the O.R. Tambo Coastal District, Eastern Cape

Background/Objective. This study explores the perceptions and challenges of junior secondary school educators regarding the delivery of sexual education (SE) in the O.R. Tambo Coastal District, South Africa. Given the region’s high rates of teenage pregnancy and HIV infections, effective SE is urgently needed. However, socio-cultural resistance, limited training, and resource constraints continue to affect implementation. The study aims to assess how these challenges shape teaching practices and to offer context-specific solutions.

Materials/methods. A qualitative exploratory research design was adopted. Data were collected from 12 educators, diverse in age, gender, and teaching experience, across three public schools. Semi-structured interviews and classroom observations allowed in-depth insights into stated and practiced approaches. Thematic analysis, supported by Social Learning Theory, was used to identify recurring challenges and strategies.

Results. The analysis identified five key barriers: inadequate training, outdated teaching resources, cultural taboos, limited institutional support, and insufficient instructional time. Despite these, some educators adopted innovative practices, such as integrating community-based support and digital tools, to improve delivery. Observational data corroborated inconsistencies in how sexual education is implemented.

Conclusion. This study contributes original insights into the micro-level dynamics of SE delivery in rural South Africa, offering a localized understanding of the cultural and institutional barriers teachers face. It recommends increased investment in culturally responsive teacher training, updated teaching materials, community engagement, and digital infrastructure. These interventions are vital to strengthen comprehensive sexual education programmes in under-resourced and socio-culturally complex educational settings.

Keywords: Challenges, community partnerships, qualitative research, sexual education, teacher training

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